Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium)
Care, watering, light and tips for Bitter orange on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Rutaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Bitter orange
Citrus aurantium, commonly known as bitter orange or 'bigaradier', is an evergreen fruit tree prized for its fragrant blossoms and tart fruits that are not typically eaten fresh. Its dense, dark green foliage, white flowers, and ornamental fruits make it ideal for patios, Mediterranean gardens, or as a standalone specimen.
Native range
Tropical Asia, specifically Southeast Asia
Care tips
It requires full, direct sunlight for most of the day for optimal fruiting and healthy growth. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering and fruiting periods, allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings. It prefers well-drained soils, rich in organic matter, and with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. A common mistake is a lack of pruning, which can lead to excessive branch production and reduced fruiting.
How to save a dying Bitter orange
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or massive leaf drop, dry branches or gumming, small or deformed fruits.
- First aid
- Check watering (avoid waterlogging/drought), prune dead branches, check for pests (mites, scale). Repot if pot is small.
- What kills it
- Over/underwatering, poor/compacted soil, exposure to hard frosts or dry winds.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotten or dry and the main trunk is healthy. Act quickly.